(14.5% alcohol): Saturated dark ruby! Ripe but reticent aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, bitter chocolate oak, licorice and mocha are very subtle and complex. Wonderfully pliant and balanced wine, with plush purple fruit and violet flavors displaying a smooth grain and superb depth. Spreads out to saturate the middle palate and builds slowly and inexorably on the aftertaste. This fully ripe, complete wine finishes with stylish tannins and outstanding length. There may still be more fireworks ahead for this beauty.

Since 2004, 100% of the Bordeaux varietals used in the Insignia proprietary blend have been from estate vineyards. Perhaps the most brilliant Insignia since the 2002 and 2001 is the 2007 Insignia, composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas of espresso, smoked herbs, graphite, creme de cassis, and licorice. Full-bodied, opulent, flamboyant, and silky-textured, it possesses fabulous concentration as well as spectacular purity, depth, and length. This should be a captivating wine to drink when released, and age easily for 25-30 years. The debut Insignia, the 1974, which seemed almost too tasty and precocious when it was released in the late seventies, is still going strong at age 34! The 2007 is easily as good. (Not yet released) (Released, and age easily for 25-30 years. The debut Insignia, the 1974, which seemed almost too tasty and precocious when it was released in the late seventies, is still going strong at age 34! The 2007 is easily as good. ) The Freestone Vineyard, a 100-acre, cool climate site planted on the Sonoma Coast by Joseph Phelps, is finally coming into production, offering consumers a bevy of different Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. There are three Chardonnay offerings, all of which emphasize the minerality and citrusy characteristics of this varietal with little intrusive oak, despite the fact that they are barrel-fermented and aged primarily in new French oak. The Cabernet Sauvignon program consists of three wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon, their famous proprietary red wine called Insignia, and their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the western hillsides of Oakville, called Backus. The regular Cabernet is a solidly made, reliable effort usually comprised of about 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Malbec. The single vineyard offering comes from Oakville’s Backus Vineyard. There are typically 1,500-2,500 cases produced from this biodynamically farmed vineyard. Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831

Deep garnet colored with a lingering hint of purple, the 2007 Insignia Proprietary Red Wine reveals the most seductive crème de cassis, Black Forest cake and licorice notions with touches of violets, eucalyptus, chocolate box and unsmoked cigars plus a waft of cedar chest. Full-bodied with tantalizing opulence yet compelling restraint, the palate beautifully juxtaposes the rich, ripe fruit with wonderful freshness and a firm yet plush backbone, finishing beautifully perfumed.